Transforming Library collections and supporting Student Learning with Collection Mapping

 Article Author: Arenthia Herren

Post Author: Connor Schwartz

Herren, Arenthia. (2021). Transforming Library Collections and Supporting Student Learning with Collection Mapping. The Serials Librarian(ahead-of-print), 1–7. https://doi.org/10.1080/0361526X.2021.1883207 

Summary:

This article presents the solutions used at Florida South Western State college used collection mapping to overhaul their print collection and enhance their development of a new collection. They used collection mapping techniques not only to overhaul the collection but also streamlined it in order to match the schools curriculum and better serve the students needs. They did not as a result record higher circulation statistics they are confident that their shift from broad subjects to curriculum specific content allows students to find more useful materials effectively. It also is noted that through the process they established closer ties with the classroom faculty and opened lines of communication with librarians about what is actually needed.

 

Evaluation: 

Reading this article was informative to the potential use and value of collection mapping techniques. It allows the reader to see the process in action and view the results. It is instructive in practice and can be used to help guide your own journey through collection development.